The court granted the suspects' remand after a hearing on Monday (September 4).
Nigerian police spokesman. Photo: Reuters
“The suspects were arraigned in court today and the judge ordered that they be remanded in custody for two weeks,” Delta state police said in a statement. It is unclear how many people have been remanded, but police said last week that 67 people had been arrested.
In Nigeria, like most parts of Africa, homosexuality is not accepted and the 2014 anti-gay law came into effect despite international condemnation.
Defense lawyer Ochuko Ohimor, who represents 60 suspects, said that although the next hearing is scheduled for September 18, he is working to get the suspects released on bail.
He said the total number of people detained was 69, adding that they were facing charges related to organizing a same-sex wedding.
Anti-gay laws in Africa’s most populous nation include prison sentences of up to 14 years for those convicted. They also ban gay marriage, same-sex relationships and membership in gay rights groups.
Hoang Ton (according to Reuters)
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